Safety Concerns
When concerns for someone's safety arise it is important to take action. The major categories of these concerns are if someone is thinking of hurting themselves or if they are being hurt by someone else. It takes a whole community of people looking out for each other to ensure everyone is safe. If you are worried for someone's immediate safety, please don't wait to reach out for support. While school counselors are mandated reporters, we can also be resources to talk through these concerns and decide on a next step.
SELF-HARM OR SUICIDE
Kids who struggle with suicidal ideation and/or self-harm report that these thoughts start around ages 10-12. For many adults that can seem quite early, but it is important to take these concerns seriously. There are some wonderful resources in our community which can both help someone who is struggling as well as talk through next steps if you are worried about someone else's safety.
SW Washington Crisis Line - 1-866-835-2755
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255
Child Welfare Check - 911
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While self-harm can be tied to suicidal thoughts, it is actually much more common for this to be a stand alone behavior. Self-harm, without suicidal ideation, should be thought of as an unhealthy coping skill, similar to using drugs and alcohol. Like other unhealthy coping skills, self-harm can be quite addictive. It is important to seek professional help for anyone who is intentionally injuring themselves, while also removing the items one might use to self-harm while they learn new and healthier coping skills.
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If you are looking for mental health support for your child, here are some great places to start.
Psychology Today - You can filter local provides by a variety of categories including insurance type.
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ESD Social Worker - A mental health professional from the ESD works in our building, providing mental health support for students and prevention strategies for all Liberty students. If are interested in your child working individually with our ESD Social Worker, please reach out to your student's school counselor.
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SeaMar - For students with state insurance (Apple Health, Medicaid, CHIP) SeaMar can see qualifying students at school. Please contact your student's school counselor if you are interested in this program.
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Your Insurance Provider - If you have private insurance it is often best to call and find out what mental health services are covered before connecting with a provider. They can also help you find a provider in our community who is accepting new patients.
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ABUSE OR NEGLECT
While all school staff are mandatory reporters, anyone can call to report suspected abuse or neglect. If you have suspicions that a child is being abused or neglected, please call Child Protective Services to make an anonymous report.
Clark County - 1-866-764-2233
Washington State - 1-866-363-4276
According to Washington State's Department of Children, Youth, and Families, child abuse and neglect is defined as, "injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child by any person under circumstances which indicate that the child's health, welfare, and safety is harmed." Physical discipline of a child must be "reasonable and moderate". RCW 9A.16.100 explains what is considered unreasonable discipline."
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There are three main types of abuse, Physical, Emotional, and Sexual. To learn more about the common indicators of each, please visit the Department of Children, Youth, and Families website.